River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1887-12-29
CALIFORNIA LETTER.
san JOSE. CAL, Dec. 20. 1855


ED. JOURNAL: take this way to
wish my friends Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year.
We notice by the eastern papers that
you are enjoying the same cold winter
weather that generally blesses that
region, while here December is turned
into May or June. Have had very
little rain this fall; only about two
inches has fallen since we arrive here,
six months ago. 1t rained few days
the first of this month, and while these
summer showers fell on us in the val
ley, Mount Hamilton, not over fifteen
miles away, was covered with coat
of snow. which lasted only few hours
in the morning.
We are blowing now preparatory to
planting, which will occupy our
time until spring, as we shall set out
thirty acres to prunes, aprieOts and
peaches, and two acres in diversified
orchard with the following: Prunes,
apricots, peaches, cherries, figs, APP
pies, ounces, and many varieties of
nuts. The different trees are one year
old and from to 9 feet in height.
They are planted III square or triangu-
lar form, to suit the taste. In the
square form it requires 1913 trees per
acre 20 feet apart each way, while in
triangular shape it requires 126 trees
to fill the same space. Trees vary in
price, according to variety of fruit.
1t costs for the principal varieties
prunes, apricots and peaches-about
$50 per acre for the trees, while some
of the other fruits would cost $50 per
acre.
Tobias Lord and family lately arrived
in our city, and in less than week
lobe was proprietor of livery stable
called the Lick Stables. | think any
of his River Falls friends can get good
turn-outs at reasonable prices. lobe
says, when asked how he likes Cali
fornia, "Why, had rather starve here
than live in Wisconsin" His car of
movables and horses, under the con-
ductorship of Frank Wadsworth, duly
arrived after a journey of three weeks.
The horses arrived in fine shape, but
as for Frank cannot say that he was
in the best of condition. He says he
did not close his eyes only when asleep
for the whole time,-but you all know
Frank. lie is at the present time
Tobe's right hand man. Geo. Fortune
claims to be i'll Tobe's employ, but he
cannot make people believe it here.
l believe George is getting lazy in his
old age for he has not worked single
day since his arrival.
They say Com. Short is matrimo-
nially inclined. Look out for cards
soon.
We occasionally meet Lewis Rhoads
on the streets, and by his ''say So you
will not have him for townsman
again. He says this is the garden of
the world.
Mel. Andrews has become natural
lied to this fine climate and no more
cold winters for him.
Norval McGregor has lately par
chased a cottage, No. 428 North Third
street, where you will find him and
Flo comfortably situated.
j. H. Lord has been hauling slab
wood for the past week, but most of
his time is occupied the same as Geo.
Fortunes.
John Moe and wife headed sur
prise party of thirty people that gave
us house.warming last night. Mrs.
Moe is very much improved IN health
and convalescing steadily.
Would advise married men, especi-
ally, to migrate to this climate, if only
for one thing; that is, it being summer
all the year the ladies cannot con-
sistently ask for only one hat year.
Long season for straw goods. But
again my advice is, if you come here
do not leave your heavy wraps at
home for they come very acceptable at
times.
With kind regards to all, am,
H. L. L.